During the month of October, the Hurricane Milton brought devastating consequences throughout Florida, including damage to the state’s infrastructure, loss of electricity, and flooding of the homes of millions of its residents.
Such is the case of a man who had to leave his home because he could not enter due to the high water level. His name is Rick Shiver, and received payment from FEMA just eight days after applying.
Rick Shiver is a 72 year old retired firefighter originally from St. Augustine, Florida. However, as indicated Business Insidermoved in search of a place where she wouldn’t have to do yard work to prepare for her chemotherapy. In this way, he bought a two-bedroom, two-bathroom manufactured home in Port Orange, greater Daytona Beach areafor US$20,500.
Although Port Orange has experienced numerous hurricanes recently, Milton was the first to led Shiver to leave home since the move. Given this, the retiree told Business Insider that in his 25 years as a firefighter in Daytona Beach he was never allowed to evacuate because he had to work during storms, but this time he was forced to do it.
The intensity of Hurricane Milton made Shiver have to evacuate his home for the first time (John Falchetto / AFP)John Falchetto / AFP
As a result of the strong storms, much of the Port Orange area was flooded. In Shiver’s case, The high water level did not even allow him to enter his homehence took refuge in DeLanda town west of the city, and stayed with her daughter for a couple of days.
Upon returning, Shiver could see the twisted metal of the awning protruding from the front of the house, which was gone. Additionally, he noticed that his gutters were torn out and that only a few posts remained standing. Given this, he acknowledged that the water damage could have been greatersince their home is located at the highest point in the neighborhood.
The awning of Shiver’s house disappeared, its gutters were torn off and only a few posts remained standing (Rick Shiver)Rick Shiver
After spending a few days without power at home, Shiver decided to ask for help Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Monday, October 14 to repair damage caused by Hurricane Milton. All you had to do was write a description to be assigned a case number.
A week later, on Monday, October 21, an inspector came to look at Shiver’s house. After taking pictures for 15 minutes, he determined that completely remove the air conditioning ducts and replace them, rebuild the awning and replace all the metal.
Although the owner expected a month or two to pass before obtaining financial support, He received all the money in his bank account the next day.
In total, FEMA gave him US$9,166 that will serve to cover some of the necessary repairs, and Shiver, as grateful as he was surprised by the speed of the help, assured that he will pay whatever is needed in case the sum is not enough.
As a result, Shiver plans to stay in the area longer, as it also allows her to be close to her children and grandchildren. However, he commented that many residents, like his own neighbor, They will begin to leave Florida after the storm.
